Self-Care and the Nonprofit Sector

Self-Care and the Nonprofit Sector

We came to this work with a simple goal in mind: create social change.

Unfortunately, social change is not easy to bring about. The hours are long, the pay is little, and some days it can feel like time, energy and passion are being wasted. So we push ourselves further - staying later, working weekends, and never slowing down. After all the cause is noble, and sleep is a luxury we can’t afford. But sooner or later our “honorable” self-sacrifice catches up to us and we are left feeling exhausted and burnt-out.

But this is not the way it is meant to be! Somewhere between young idealistic intern and martyr for the cause we lost sight of a very important thing, self-care. Self-care is intentionally taking time to attend to our physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs. Despite popular belief, it isn’t selfish to make our own needs a priority. In fact it makes us better at our work! Like any flight attendant would tell you, you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you can think about helping someone else.

As simple as caring for ourselves sounds (I mean, who could know our needs better?), it is a task that eludes many of us. The concept is great, but how to we translate it into practice? After all, the emails won’t stop just because we decide to go to a yoga class.

CC Image Courtesy of Mike Rastiello via Flickr

It begins with intentionality. We have to be aware of our needs and ready to implement new strategies to meet those needs on a consistent basis. And it can start small. Perhaps with a commitment to go the gym 3 times a week, not check your emails on the weekend, or go to bed at a decent time each night (and actually sleep, not lay in bed and browse Pinterest). It will look different for each person but making a commitment to start is an important first step.

And remember self-care is a process. You won’t get it right all the time and that is ok! There will be times when it comes easy and times when it is hard. Have grace with yourself and stay devoted to finding balance.

And that is exactly what we at YNPN are committing to this May. Together we will explore what it means to practice self-care and provide practical tips to help keep your work and life in balance. And we want to hear from you! Follow the conversation at #npbalance and let us know how you make self-care a priority. The ultimate goal is still social change - we just have to start with ourselves to achieve it!